By Heather Mason, Psychology student at Douglas College

Navigating college can be challenging for new students. It’s even harder when you are Autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) – and even more so if you don’t know you are AuDHD.  

For the first five years of my degree, I had no idea why everything felt so difficult. I projected the perfect illusion of a studious, inquisitive and organized student: I had a fancy planner, dozens of pens and highlighters, rarely missed class, asked lots of questions and answered plenty more. Yet outside of the classroom, I was a mess.  

It took me ages to complete my readings and I cried over vague assignments that I could not start. Despite my colour-coordinated planner, I struggled to manage my time and stay on track, routinely pulling all-nighters to finish assignments at the last minute. 

Being on campus was a sensory nightmare for me, it was bright, busy, loud and I often felt ill. Existing like this was unsustainable. I would manage for a semester or two, then I would have to take a semester off to recover, only to repeat the cycle.  

A helping hand

Eventually, a caring instructor noticed my struggles and suggested I get in touch with Accessibility Services at Douglas. I still had no idea I was AuDHD, but my mental and physical health had hit rock bottom. I had developed a seizure disorder, was given multiple (mis)diagnoses and needed help.  

The wonderful people at Accessibility Services set me up with accommodations like extra exam time, flexible deadlines and a cool pen that records your lectures as you take notes. These initial accommodations helped me get back on my feet and allowed me to manage my then undiagnosed ADHD.  

A couple of years later, I finally learned that I was Autistic and ADHD. With that knowledge, I added more accommodations: separate setting exams, access to lecture slides, use of noise-cancelling headphones and preferential seating (front and center, to minimize distractions), to name a few. To help navigate these supports, I was assigned an accessibility specialist who works with me to plan my accommodations and advocate for my needs in class. 

Accessibility Services also provide a quiet room with dim lighting, comfortable chairs, blankets and sensory tools, which felt like a refuge from the often-overwhelming campus environment. If I’m not in class, you’ll probably find me there. I also qualified for permanent disability status with StudentAid BC, which gave me access to grants for a learning strategist to help me prioritize tasks and manage projects, as well as assistive technology like a laptop, iPad and noise-canceling headphones. 

A guide to succeeding in college

Since my Autism and ADHD diagnoses, I’ve learned how to manage college life more effectively and started enjoying it again. Here are some tips that helped me navigate college: 

• Make neurodivergent friends! Finding your people is so important, and I promise you, they’re out there. Joining a club at Douglas is a great way to meet people outside of class.  
• Get a giant three-month whiteboard calendar. Write all your classes and deadlines on it and hang it above your desk. Seeing most of the semester at once helps prevent surprises.
• Communicate with your instructors. If you’re struggling, let them know. They’re there to help and it’s better to ask for support before you hit rock bottom. Ask them about key lecture points and how they’d recommend studying for their class. 
• Get (and actually use!) test accommodations. Remember, you can adjust these to fit your needs. 
• Arrive to college at least 30 minutes before your class. This gives you time to settle into the classroom, adjust to the environment and prepare for the day. 
• Come prepared to class and complete your readings beforehand. It makes following the lecture easier and gives you a chance to ask questions about tricky topics. 
• Schedule time for hobbies and rest. College isn’t just about academics, you need balance. 
• Take your time. It’s not a race. If you have a documented permanent disability (like Autism or ADHD), you can take fewer courses (two) while maintaining full-time status. And if you need a break, take the break. You can always come back. 

Do what you love, no matter your neurotype

It has taken me 10 years to graduate, but I have managed to keep my sanity intact, maintained a decent GPA and I have genuinely enjoyed the journey. Post-secondaries were not designed with Autistic and ADHD students in mind, and you may face challenges others don’t. But that does not mean you don’t belong. You do.  

The wonderful thing about Douglas is its welcoming environment and Accessibility Services, which make it easier to feel like you belong. Douglas gives you the time, space and tools to do what you love and succeed, no matter your neurotype. 

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Interested in psychology? Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology program at Douglas: douglascollege.ca/bapsych